1.11 Ban Sawang Jai (Khao Yai Meditation Center)
(by Jörg Dittmar, June 2004)
Address:
Ban Sawang
Jai
Klongdea, Moosri, Pak Chong, Nakorn
Tel: +66-44-312183
Email: vimokkha@hotmail.com
Internet:
http://www.vimokkha.com/kaoyaisaengeng.html
Head
Monastery: Wat Sanghathan
Bangphai,
Muang, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand
Tel.:
+66(08)90500052, +66(08)40066080
Fax
+66-02-4472784
Internet:
www.vimokkha.com, Email: vimokkha@hotmail.com
Location: Ban Sawang Jai
(house of the enlightended heart), a branch of Wat Sanghathan, is located about
250 km north east of Bangkok. A beautiful, quiet and spacious place, about 3 km
from the main gate of Khao Yai National Park. The area is very green, with
grass, fields, bush land, banana trees around a hill, the center of the
monastery. Places for practice are plenty. There are some quite comfortable
huts (kutis) for lay meditators, a large meditation hall (used mainly during
the intense meditation course) and the monks' area around the hill. Here also
is the hall containing the buddha image, the kitchen, a cave that is being
prepared as a place for services, and other infra structure.
Travel: From Bangkok
Northern Bus Terminal by Air Con Bus to Pak Chong (110 baht). From Bus Terminal
Pak Chong by taxi to Ban Sawang Jai (200 baht, need to bargain). Some taxi
drivers do not know the way though it is easy to find. Go to Khao Yai National
Park main gate (everybody knows this one). Approaching the gate (about 500 m
beforehand) a road goes left. There is a sign saying 'Ban Sawang Jai' in
English and Thai. Follow this road for 4km. Then on the left you will find the
entrance with a big sign in english and sort of a stone monument in Thai.
There also
are pick up trucks available (20 baht). Leave Pak Chong Bus Terminal to main
road. Walk 10 minutes to the right. Cross the road to 'seven-eleven' shop. Pick
up trucks are waiting in front.
Participants
of the meditation course (see below) will be picked up by bus from Wat
Sanghathan, Nonthaburi.
Reservations: For participation
in the meditiation course a reservation some time ahead is advisable. Otherwise
just contact Mae Chee Brigitte.
Meditation
Course: Once a month (starting first saturday of every month) a one
week intense meditation course is held. Participants are mainly Thai people
from Bangkok area. Language is Thai (in teachings, talks, guided meditations
etc.). Some teachings will be translated by Mae Chee Brigitte. After the 7 days
course participants are welcome to stay longer in Khao Yai Meditation Center.
System of Meditation: According to Wat Sanghathan, especially
during courses. Individual practice is possible (i.e. for more experienced
meditators already using other systems). Beginners will be introduced to
vipassana meditation. Possibility of regular interviews. There are also sitting
and walking meditations in groups (daily schedule see below).
Teachers: Meditators stay in
touch with Ven. Ajahn Tippakorn and Mae Chee Brigitte. Ajahn is the abbott, in
his end 30s. He can speak english quite well. Otherwise Mae Chee Brigitte will
translate. She is Austrian and can speak German, English and Thai. Mae Chee
will be in reach most of the time for anyone in need of help or instructions.
Ajahn talks select Dhamma subjects on some evenings. Possibility to ask
questions.
Rules: 5 Silas will be
expected, 8 Silas are possible. Clothes should be white, comfortable and
appropriate (no shorts or sleeveless t-shirts, in case clothes can be bought or
rented in the center). Keeping silent is optional, although there is a general
atmosphere of quiet mindfulness. There is only one meal during the day.
Accommodation: Lay meditators will
usually live in a Kuti (incl. bath room) by one or two persons only. There is
enough space inside to meditate there if desired. During meditation course
though, accommodation cannot be that generous. Kutis will then be occupied by
3-4 people. Many participants will sleep in the big meditation hall.
Food: Once a day there
is a generous buffet of Thai food including some vegetarian dishes.
Ordination: Possibility to
ordinate as a monk or nun, usually via Wat Sanghathan. In the monastery live
about 15 monks, 1-2 nuns and some lay meditators from Thailand or abroad.
Fees: No fees. Donations
to keep the place running are very welcome.
Things
to bring: Handy will be a good torch (incl. replacement bulb and
batteries), bathing slippers, a water flask, insect repellant and personal
toiletry. A warm jacket or pullover will possibly be appreciated during morning
meditation. During colder season a sleeping bag is recommended.
Rough daily schedule:
5:00 Morning recitations and meditation
(1 hour)
Small breakfast (hot drinks)
Walking meditation (1 hour)
9:30 Main meal together with monks
Some rest
Meditation in Kuti or hall (walking, standing, sitting, 2 hours)
16:00 Walking meditation (1 hour)
Showering, laundry, other work etc...
19:00
Evening recitations, meditation (1 hour)
Instructions and interview
Some evenings dhamma talk